Discover Life in America

Fireflies at Norton Creek 2025
2025-06-07 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Tennessee
WHAT TO EXPECT // FAQs // Saturday, June 7: Tickets Available!

Watch the Smokies’ magical fireflies in style! Our annual firefly event is a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. From the comfort of a luxurious private reserve, enjoy food and drink surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery, and witness an incredible display of synchronous and blue ghost fireflies (and other glowing critters) guided by our knowledgeable staff. Four nights to choose from. This is an evening you won’t forget! All proceeds help us at Discover Life in America carry out our mission to understand and conserve the diversity of life in the Smokies.

All proceeds from this event support DLiA and our work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (learn more).

NOTE: This is NOT the synchronous firefly lottery at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a private fundraising event located on private land adjacent to the park.

Four nights to choose from!

Thursday, June 5 SOLD OUT!

Friday, June 6 SOLD OUT!

Saturday, June 7 3 Tickets Available!

Sunday, June 8 SOLD OUT!

Tickets

Tickets for the event are $300 per person.

Tickets are open to anyone 10 years of age or older (children under 10 are not allowed at this event). Each ticket is for a single night of the event.

Buy Tickets

What to expect

Location: Norton Creek Preserve, a 3000-acre tract adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains NP, near Gatlinburg, TN. Detailed directions will be sent to ticketholders before the event.

Catering provided by the Dollywood Parks and Resorts Culinary Team.

Drinks are included: local beer as well as wine, sodas, and tea

Includes expert-guided firefly viewing: we’ll point out different firefly species and answer your firefly questions

Light, uphill walking will be involved on paved and gravel surfaces

Rain or shine: we’ll hold the event even if rain is forecast (see FAQs)

No pets allowed

Open to kids 10 and up (ticket required for each child)

More information: ticketholders will receive directions and details via email in mid-May

FAQs: read our list of frequently asked questions for more information

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS

for your support of our work in discovering, understanding and conserving biodiversity in the Smokies and beyond.

gorgeous venue

Hemlock House

Hors d’oeuvres by Whole Earth Grocery //Luca Pfeiffer

//Luca Pfeiffer

Incredible interior //Luca Pfeiffer

Glow-in-the-dark firefly blankets for sale! //Luca Pfeiffer

A magnificent ravine for fireflies

//Luca Pfeiffer

Fireflies, galore!

Synchronous firefly //Abbott Nature

Light trails of blue ghosts //Abbott Nature

Blue ghost male //Abbott Nature

Blue ghost female //Abbott Nature

Firefly larva //Abbott Nature

Blue glow of fungus gnats //Luca Pfeiffer

Synchronous fireflies’ woodland display //Abbott Nature

What people love about our event

Guided firefly viewing. Our knowledgeable staff will point out different firefly species to you and can tell you what makes each one special.

It’s private. This event is held on private land and we only host around 50 guests per night. Each guest can witness the magic on their own without the crowds.

The venue is magnificent! You’ll love exploring the guest house where we start our event and the gorgeous surrounding property nestled in the Smoky Mountains.

It’s dark. We try to keep things very dark so your eyes can adjust, allowing you to see the wonderful bioluminescence around you. (Don’t worry, we’ve got lights if you need them.)

Cancellation policy

Full payment is due at checkout. We will be happy to refund your payment if and only if we are able to fill your slot, up until May 22, 2025. After that date, no refunds will be given.

FAQs

Q. Is this event related to the synchronous firefly lottery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

A. Nope. Discover Life in America is a non-profit partner of the Park; however, this is a private fundraising event that is not associated with the Park’s lottery for synchronous firefly viewing at Elkmont. That is a totally separate event and we cannot answer questions about the lottery, dates for the lottery, or anything else related to it. Information about the lottery can be found at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm.

Q. $300 per person seems expensive. Is this event really worth it?

A. We certainly think so! You can expect a lot of value for the ticket price AND you’re supporting Discover Life in America and our important work in the Smokies! Catering provided by the Dollywood Parks and Resorts Culinary Team and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. You’ll get to explore the private venue, which is not open to the public. It’s a gorgeous house made from rough-hewn hemlocks and decorated with birch bark that’s set on a pastoral hilltop right next to the national park. You’ll have one-on-one time with Will Kuhn, our resident entomologist, who will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about the 19 species of fireflies that live in the Smokies. And of course you’ll get to see the magical display of the synchronous fireflies, but not among a crowd in the national park. Rather, you’ll see them in a leisurely, small-group setting with guides to point them out and answer all your questions. We are confident that you’ll enjoy yourself and learn something new!

Q. How do you know the synchronous fireflies will be active?

A. Synchronous fireflies in the Smokies region typically reach their peak activity around the end of May to middle of June; however, this can vary from year to year based on temperature and weather. The Park uses temperature data to plan the dates of their lottery system, typically releasing those dates around late April. We, however, must book the venue for our Fireflies Event a year in advance, so we carefully select a date that falls within the peak season for synchronous firefly activity from previous years. In the nine years that we’ve been doing this event, we’ve never been disappointed.

Q. I can’t find the exact location of this event on your website. Why is that?

A. As the synchronous fireflies have become extremely popular in the Smokies, we don’t post our event location for fear that the public will trespass on the private property of our generous hosts and trample the pristine firefly habitat. Rest assured though: we will contact all ticket holders with detailed directions to the event and other information that you’ll need to know for this once-in-a-lifetime evening.

Q. Where should I stay during the event?

A. Lodging is not included as part of the Fireflies Event; but there are lots of hotel options in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These are the two closest large communities to the venue and they’re about equal distance from the venue. There are also lots of cabins and small rental properties along “The Spur” (The Spur is a section of the Foothills Parkway connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg; a.k.a. HWY 441).

Q. Are kids allowed at this event?

A. Children 10 years of age or older may attend this event with ticket purchase. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to attend this event.

Q. Will the event be canceled if rain is in forecast?

A. Nope. The Smokies region gets lots of rain (one of the reasons it’s so rich in fireflies) but it has not affected our firefly viewing. The first part of the event takes places inside, under cover, and the viewing is outside under decent canopy cover. We highly recommend that you bring a light rain jacket in case we get a little rain during viewing. Rain or shine, it’s going to be great!

Q. In the description for this event, you mention “other glowing critters.” What do you mean?

A. There is a veritable menagerie of glowing critters to see at the Fireflies Event! Apart from synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) and blue ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata), we’ve seen railroad worms (Phengodes spp.), which are another type of beetle with glowing larvae and adult females, and also fungus gnat larvae (a.k.a. foxfire flies, Orfelia fultoni), which glow faintly blue from seeps on the hillside. We will see some of the region’s 9 other glowing firefly species, too, as we wait for the synchronous and blue ghost fireflies to start their show. We usually find the glowing larvae of a number of firefly species, as well. So much bioluminescence to see and we’ll point glowers out to you as we encounter them!

Q. Other questions?

A. Please carefully read our FAQ for answers to common questions, then ask Todd if you still need help: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757.

Fireflies at Norton Creek 2025
2025-06-08 19:00 - 22:30 | Tennessee
WHAT TO EXPECT // WAITLIST // FAQs

Watch the Smokies’ magical fireflies in style! Our annual firefly event is a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. From the comfort of a luxurious private reserve, enjoy food and drink surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery, and witness an incredible display of synchronous and blue ghost fireflies (and other glowing critters) guided by our knowledgeable staff. Four nights to choose from. This is an evening you won’t forget! All proceeds help us at Discover Life in America carry out our mission to understand and conserve the diversity of life in the Smokies.

All proceeds from this event support DLiA and our work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (learn more).

NOTE: This is NOT the synchronous firefly lottery at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a private fundraising event located on private land adjacent to the park.

Four nights to choose from!

Thursday, June 5 SOLD OUT!

Friday, June 6 SOLD OUT!

Saturday, June 7 SOLD OUT!

Sunday, June 8 SOLD OUT!

Join Waitlist

Tickets

Tickets for the event are $300 per person.

Tickets are open to anyone 10 years of age or older (children under 10 are not allowed at this event). Each ticket is for a single night of the event.

What to expect

Location: Norton Creek Preserve, a 2,000-acre tract adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains NP, near Gatlinburg, TN. Detailed directions will be sent to ticketholders before the event.

Catering provided by the Dollywood Parks and Resorts Culinary Team.

Drinks are included: local beer as well as wine, sodas, and tea

Includes expert-guided firefly viewing: we’ll point out different firefly species and answer your firefly questions

Light, uphill walking will be involved on paved and gravel surfaces

Rain or shine: we’ll hold the event even if rain is forecast (see FAQs)

No pets allowed

Open to kids 10 and up (ticket required for each child)

More information: ticketholders will receive directions and details via email in mid-May

FAQs: read our list of frequently asked questions for more information

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS

for your support of our work in discovering, understanding and conserving biodiversity in the Smokies and beyond.

gorgeous venue

Hemlock House

Hors d’oeuvres by Whole Earth Grocery //Luca Pfeiffer

//Luca Pfeiffer

Incredible interior //Luca Pfeiffer

Glow-in-the-dark firefly blankets for sale! //Luca Pfeiffer

A magnificent ravine for fireflies

//Luca Pfeiffer

Fireflies, galore!

Synchronous firefly //Abbott Nature

Light trails of blue ghosts //Abbott Nature

Blue ghost male //Abbott Nature

Blue ghost female //Abbott Nature

Firefly larva //Abbott Nature

Blue glow of fungus gnats //Luca Pfeiffer

Synchronous fireflies’ woodland display //Abbott Nature

What people love about our event

Guided firefly viewing. Our knowledgeable staff will point out different firefly species to you and can tell you what makes each one special.

It’s private. This event is held on private land and we only host around 50 guests per night. Each guest can witness the magic on their own without the crowds.

The venue is magnificent! You’ll love exploring the guest house where we start our event and the gorgeous surrounding property nestled in the Smoky Mountains.

It’s dark. We try to keep things very dark so your eyes can adjust, allowing you to see the wonderful bioluminescence around you. (Don’t worry, we’ve got lights if you need them.)

Cancellation policy

Full payment is due at checkout. We will be happy to refund your payment if and only if we are able to fill your slot, up until May 22, 2025. After that date, no refunds will be given.

FAQs

Q. Is this event related to the synchronous firefly lottery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

A. Nope. Discover Life in America is a non-profit partner of the Park; however, this is a private fundraising event that is not associated with the Park’s lottery for synchronous firefly viewing at Elkmont. That is a totally separate event and we cannot answer questions about the lottery, dates for the lottery, or anything else related to it. Information about the lottery can be found at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm.

Q. $300 per person seems expensive. Is this event really worth it?

A. We certainly think so! You can expect a lot of value for the ticket price AND you’re supporting Discover Life in America and our important work in the Smokies! Catering provided by the Dollywood Parks and Resorts Culinary Team and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. You’ll get to explore the private venue, which is not open to the public. It’s a gorgeous house made from rough-hewn hemlocks and decorated with birch bark that’s set on a pastoral hilltop right next to the national park. You’ll have one-on-one time with Will Kuhn, our resident entomologist, who will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about the 19 species of fireflies that live in the Smokies. And of course you’ll get to see the magical display of the synchronous fireflies, but not among a crowd in the national park. Rather, you’ll see them in a leisurely, small-group setting with guides to point them out and answer all your questions. We are confident that you’ll enjoy yourself and learn something new!

Q. How do you know the synchronous fireflies will be active?

A. Synchronous fireflies in the Smokies region typically reach their peak activity around the end of May to middle of June; however, this can vary from year to year based on temperature and weather. The Park uses temperature data to plan the dates of their lottery system, typically releasing those dates around late April. We, however, must book the venue for our Fireflies Event a year in advance, so we carefully select a date that falls within the peak season for synchronous firefly activity from previous years. In the nine years that we’ve been doing this event, we’ve never been disappointed.

Q. I can’t find the exact location of this event on your website. Why is that?

A. As the synchronous fireflies have become extremely popular in the Smokies, we don’t post our event location for fear that the public will trespass on the private property of our generous hosts and trample the pristine firefly habitat. Rest assured though: we will contact all ticket holders with detailed directions to the event and other information that you’ll need to know for this once-in-a-lifetime evening.

Q. Where should I stay during the event?

A. Lodging is not included as part of the Fireflies Event; but there are lots of hotel options in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These are the two closest large communities to the venue and they’re about equal distance from the venue. There are also lots of cabins and small rental properties along “The Spur” (The Spur is a section of the Foothills Parkway connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg; a.k.a. HWY 441).

Q. Are kids allowed at this event?

A. Children 10 years of age or older may attend this event with ticket purchase. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to attend this event.

Q. Will the event be canceled if rain is in forecast?

A. Nope. The Smokies region gets lots of rain (one of the reasons it’s so rich in fireflies) but it has not affected our firefly viewing. The first part of the event takes places inside, under cover, and the viewing is outside under decent canopy cover. We highly recommend that you bring a light rain jacket in case we get a little rain during viewing. Rain or shine, it’s going to be great!

Q. In the description for this event, you mention “other glowing critters.” What do you mean?

A. There is a veritable menagerie of glowing critters to see at the Fireflies Event! Apart from synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) and blue ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata), we’ve seen railroad worms (Phengodes spp.), which are another type of beetle with glowing larvae and adult females, and also fungus gnat larvae (a.k.a. foxfire flies, Orfelia fultoni), which glow faintly blue from seeps on the hillside. We will see some of the region’s 9 other glowing firefly species, too, as we wait for the synchronous and blue ghost fireflies to start their show. We usually find the glowing larvae of a number of firefly species, as well. So much bioluminescence to see and we’ll point glowers out to you as we encounter them!

Q. Other questions?

A. Please carefully read our FAQ for answers to common questions, then ask Todd if you still need help: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757.

CONSERVATION ON TAP
2025-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Schulz Bräu Brewing Company, 126 Bernard Ave, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37917, United States
CONSERVATION ON TAP

June 18, 7.00 p.m.

Schulz Bräu Brewing Company

Free!

Wildways: Linking Landscapes for Appalachian Wildlife

Dr. Liz Hillard, Senior Wildlife Biologist with Wildlands Network, will highlight regional research and collaborative efforts focused on protecting key habitat corridors, improving habitat through restoration and management, and ensuring safe passage for wildlife across roadways—so that the region’s rich biodiversity can continue to thrive.

Join us to support local conservation efforts and enjoy a wide selection of 20+ beers on-tap (and plenty of nonalcoholic beverages) and some authentic German fare from Schulz’s Schnitzel Kitchen!

Program offered by Discover Life in America, the official science partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. DLiA.org

Firefly ‘Blitz
2025-06-23 18:30 - 23:00 | Tennessee
Join us in Cades Cove for a Firefly ‘Blitz on Monday, June 23! We’ll be going out to the cove before dusk to record firefly activity and identify species.
No experience necessary. We will be doing field studies, in the dark until 11 pm or later. We will be only be using flashlights covered with red cellophane or a red setting. Because of the extended time in the dark and data collection, this activity is not recommended for children under 14 years old.
Join us in Cades Cove for a Firefly ‘Blitz on Monday, June 23! We’ll be going out to the cove before dusk to record firefly activity and identify species.
No experience necessary. We will be doing field studies, in the dark until 11 pm or later. We will be only be using flashlights covered with red cellophane or a red setting. Because of the extended time in the dark and data collection, this activity is not recommended for children under 14 years old.
*This event is not affiliated with synchronous fireflies.
Registration is currently full, but check back for possible cancellations!

Hall Bend Trail Bioblitz
2025-07-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-07-12 08:00 - 11:00 | Tennessee
Free, family friendly opportunity to learn about local animals and plants while contributing to science. Join Discover Life in America and the Tennessee Valley Authority at the Hall Bend Trail in Lenoir City, TN!
Two chances to ‘blitz!
Friday, July 11 from 7pm to 10pm Eastern: Join us for an evening of discoveries…we will continue in the dark, as we will set up a black light to monitor insect populations!
Saturday, July 12 from 8am to 11am Eastern: The morning is a great time to look for birds and we will continue to look for other flora and fauna throughout the morning!

REGISTER HERE

Where?
Hall Bend Trailhead
Lenoir City, TN 37771

Conservation on Tap
2025-07-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Schulz Bräu Brewing Company, 126 Bernard Ave, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37917, United States
CONSERVATION ON TAPWednesday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.Schulz Brau Brewing Co.
“Support Our Public Lands: Learn How to Help Parks, Forests, and the Places You Love”
Join us for this month’s Conservation on Tap event to show your support for our public lands!
This is a great opportunity to hear from and network with staff and volunteers from Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Discover Life in America, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Harvey Broome Group of the Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, Smokies Safe Passage, Smokies Life, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, and The Wilderness Society. All the organizations are active in the region, working on a variety of issues and missions related to public lands, parks, wilderness areas, and their continued viability.
“We want to give people an opportunity to learn about what we all do, what’s helpful right now, and how people can directlysupport the public lands that they love,” said Jacqueline Harp, CEO of Smokies Life, a nonprofit partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The evening will allow neighbors who may feel similarly about conservation to meet and converse.” Printed materials will be available for takeaway.
The free event takes place from 5:30–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, at Schulz Bräu Brewing Co., 126 Bernard Avenue in Knoxville. Speakers start at 6:00 p.m. with a brief Q&A period and social hour to follow.
A wide selection of beers will be available on-tap along with nonalcoholic beverages and authentic German fare from Schulz’s Schnitzel Kitchen.

A big thank you to National Parks Conservation Association and all of the other nonprofit organizations participating and co-hosting this event with DLiA!

Black Lighting for "Bugs"
2025-07-18 20:00 - 23:00 | Tennessee
Black Lighting for “Bugs”…and other nocturnal insects!
When? July 18 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where? Bradley Fork Trailhead at Smokemont Campground
Description: Join us to help document nocturnal life in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! We will also spend time at dusk using a bat detector to monitor for bat activity in the area! We will also spend time at dusk using a bat detector to monitor for bat activity in the area!
Why use black lights?
Many insects can see ultraviolet light, which has shorter wavelengths than light visible to the human eye. For this reason, a black light will attract different insects than a regular incandescent light.
We will be using the iNaturalist app, to take photos and share to the community science platform. No prior experience necessary!
Location:

Volunteer with DLiA
Volunteers have contributed significantly to the success of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) since we began, through field work, education and outreach, and financial support. DLiA could not continue to function without the help of our dedicated volunteers and supporters. Thank you!

Conservation on Tap
2025-08-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Tennessee
Are You Bearwise?

Conservation on Tap
Wednesday, August 20, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Schulz Brau Brewing Company, Knoxville

FREE!
Join TWRA Bear Biologist Janelle Musser and others to learn more about BearWise®, a nationwide program that is helping people learn to live and recreate responsibly in bear country. Find out how BearWise projects help keep bears wild and people safe!
Proceeds from this event benefit Discover Life in America, the official science partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit DLiA.org to learn more.

Bumble Bee Atlas Field Training
2025-08-30 11:00 - 14:00 | Tennessee
Bumble Bee Atlas Field Training
When? Saturday, August 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where? Discover Life in America office 1316 Cherokee Orchard Rd Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Directions: from Cherokee Orchard Road, turn right into the Twin Creeks complex and continue on the road past the Twin Creeks Science Center and the road that goes to the pavilion until you see our little cabin and the Discover Life in America sign.
Description: Join us to learn how you can participate in surveying bumble bees with Discover Life in America and the Xerces Society’s Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas! This is a hands-on field training session for anyone interested in conducting bumble bee surveys at specified sites within GSMNP during the month of September through the Xerces Society’s Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas.

Volunteer with DLiA
Volunteers have contributed significantly to the success of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) since we began, through field work, education and outreach, and financial support. DLiA could not continue to function without the help of our dedicated volunteers and supporters.

Pollinator Survey at Purchase Knob
2025-09-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Tennessee
Join us to document pollinators and the host plants and wildflowers they are visiting! There is so much more to learn about pollinators and their vital role in the ecosystems of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
We will be using the iNaturalist app, to take photos and share to the community science platform. No prior experience necessary!
We will also be conducting bumble bee survey to submit field data to Xerces Society’s Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas!
When? Wednesday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern
Where? Appalachian Highlands Learning Center at 107 Purchase Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785
Before the event:
Download iNaturalist to your phone (it’s free!) and follow prompts in the app to create an iNaturalist account

Conservation on Tap
2025-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Schulz Bräu Brewing Company, 126 Bernard Ave, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37917, United States
Conservation on Tap
The Birds of Seven Islands
Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
Join Park Ranger Clare Dattilo to learn more about the birds, birding opportunities, and bird research at everybody’s favorite Seven Islands State Park!
Proceeds from this event benefit Discover Life in America, the official science partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit DLiA.org to learn more.

Gall and Leaf Miner 'Blitz
2025-10-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Tennessee
This event has been cancelled, but stay tuned for more ways to get involved with Discover Life in America!

Conservation on Tap
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Tennessee
Join us for our next Conservation on Tap featuring Andrew Gunnoe, President of the Little River Watershed Association (LRWA). Andrew will share insights into the vital work LRWA is doing to protect, preserve and enhance the Little River and its tributaries through conservation, education and recreation.
From improving water quality and restoring riparian habitats to engaging volunteers in hands-on conservation, LRWA plays a critical role in keeping this watershed healthy for both people and wildlife.
Come grab a drink, connect with fellow nature-lovers, and learn how you can get involved!
Conservation on Tap is a speaker series held every third Wednesday at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company and is hosted by Discover Life in America—science partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1998.

Conservation on Tap: Getting Started in Natural Resource Careers
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Tennessee
Conservation on TapWednesday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.
Getting Started in Natural Resource CareersSchulz Bräu Brewing Company, KnoxvilleFREE!
Join Kayla Stuart of Job Corps to learn about nontraditional routes to a career in natural resources. Kayla specializes in helping people overcome perceived barriers to rewarding careers in parks and other natural areas.
Sponsored by Discover Life in America and Schulz Bräu Brewing Company.

Conservation on Tap
2025-12-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Tennessee
Conservation on TapWed. December 17 at 7 p.m.Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
Saving Our National Parks
Join us this month’s Conservation on Tap for a special event featuring award-winning local author, former park ranger and dedicated DLiA Board Member, Steve Kemp, for a special conversation on the extraordinary partnership that helped protect America’s most iconic natural treasures. Kemp will share insights from his newly published book, An Exaltation of Parks: John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s Crusade to Save America’s Wonderlands, which uncovers how Rockefeller—working alongside National Park Service visionaries Stephen Mather, Horace Albright, and Arno Cammerer—shaped the national park system we know today.
At a time when America’s national parks face mounting visitation pressures and under-resourced management, this story of bold conservation philanthropy and collaboration offers lessons and inspiration for the challenges ahead.
Grab a beer, meet fellow conservation enthusiasts, and enjoy an evening of storytelling, history, and hope for the future of our public lands.
Discover Life in America hosts the Conservation on Tap speaker series every third Wednesday, monthly. Check back for updates on the next presenter on dlia.org/events.
